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Birch Ridge Golf Report

Posted: Thursday, September 06, 2007

By Sharon Keating

I've been thinking a lot about golf lately ... probably because the end of our season is getting closer and I'll miss seeing all the wonderful people that come out to play at Birch Ridge. Having only a few more reports to write, there's so much I want to say so bear with me as I reflect on a few of the many great things I love about this crazy game of golf and why I feel such pride in being a part of the Birch Ridge "family."

In a recent survey, "Successful Youth Development: The Contribution of Sport," U.S. adults were asked about the link between the values kids need to have in life and the ways sports can help teach those values. The survey shows that the game of golf is strongly associated with teaching three key values (self confidence, decision making and perseverance). So, I take pride in knowing our association at Birch Ridge contributes so much to teaching kids not only the skills needed to succeed in golf, but also to succeed in life. I've been doing some research and have learned that the percent of our population that plays golf has been steadily increasing for a number of years. It's true that the recreational needs of our growing and aging population have contributed to that increase, but contrary to popular belief, the largest segment playing the game are not our older players, but those between the ages of 18 and 29.

Unlike many sports that kids play, golf is one that can last a lifetime. We are so fortunate to have such a great course right here where our kids can learn to play, grow up, have kids as their own and then play as a family.